HB5544 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB096 15178 KTG 30248 b

96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2009 and 2010
HB5544

Introduced 2/9/2010, by Rep. John D. Cavaletto

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

305 ILCS 5/12-4.4a new

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that on and after January 1, 2011, electronic benefits transfer cards ("LINK") used to obtain food stamp benefits or cash shall contain the name and photo of the primary cardholder and, at the option of the primary cardholder, the names of secondary holders who are authorized to use the card. Establishes that an individual may only use the LINK card if the photo on the card matches the user or he or she presents a current and valid photo identification that confirms he or she is a secondary user listed on the card. Provides that on the effective date of the amendatory Act the Department of Human Services shall begin the process of transitioning to the use of LINK cards which contain the name and photo of the primary cardholder and list the names of all authorized users of the card. Requires the transition to be completed no later than January 1, 2011. Effective immediately.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning public aid.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Illinois Public Aid Code is amended by adding Section 12-4.4a as follows:

(305 ILCS 5/12-4.4a new)

Sec. 12-4.4a. Food stamps; electronic benefits transfer card.

(a) In this Section, "LINK card" means an electronic benefits transfer card issued by the Department of Human Services for the purpose of enabling a user of the card to obtain food stamp benefits or cash.

(b) On and after January 1, 2011, LINK cards used to obtain food stamp benefits or cash shall contain the name and photo of the primary cardholder. In addition, the card shall contain, at the option of the primary cardholder, the names of secondary cardholders who are authorized to use the card to obtain food stamp benefits or cash. An individual may use the LINK card to obtain benefits only if :

(1) he or she is the primary cardholder listed on the card and the photo on the card matches the user; or

(2) he or she is the secondary cardholder listed on the card and he or she shows a current and valid photo identification that confirms he or she is a secondary user listed on the card.

(c) On the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 96th General Assembly, the Department of Human Services shall begin the process of transitioning to the use of LINK cards which contain the name and photo of the primary cardholder and list the names of all authorized users of the card. This transition shall be completed no later than January 1, 2011.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.